Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these irresistible Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells! Perfectly al dente jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned to perfection with garlic and Italian spices. Smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with a melty layer of mozzarella, each bite delivers indulgent comfort. This baked pasta dish comes together in just an hour, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a meal thatβs as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Stuff each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed shells.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Calories |
2524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.8 g | 159% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.4 g | 307% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 976 mg | 326% | |
| Sodium | 5122 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.3 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 266.1 g | 532% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 3239 mg | 249% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1609 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.